New management approaches for gastroparesis

Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005 Oct;2(10):454-62; quiz 493. doi: 10.1038/ncpgasthep0283.

Abstract

Management of patients with gastroparesis is challenging. Although the syndrome has multiple causes and knowledge of the pathophysiology and natural history is far from complete, a number of common management principles can be applied. The relatively poor correlation between upper-gastrointestinal symptoms and disordered gastric emptying represents a major difficulty in the therapeutic approach, and evidence to support the efficacy of current management strategies is often suboptimal, especially in relation to long-term therapy. In this review, the common causes and pathophysiology of gastroparesis are summarized, the diagnostic approach considered, and the evidence to support medical and surgical therapies reviewed. These therapies include currently available prokinetic drugs, novel medical therapies, and the promising technique of gastric electrical stimulation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins / therapeutic use
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Gastrointestinal Motility / physiology
  • Gastroparesis / diagnosis
  • Gastroparesis / physiopathology
  • Gastroparesis / therapy*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins